at The Gardens

A project of Colorado State University at the Mesa County Fairgrounds

The Arboretum in August and early September 2008

Introduction: Concept and Purpose

Why an Arboretum?

The Construction Process - Photographs and Narrative

Edging the Planting Areas

Maps of the Gardens, Plants and Planting

Maintenance

Funding The Arboretum

Donors

List of Contributors

How can you get involved?

Our other Demonstration/Educational Gardens

Introduction:

An arboretum is a “place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes.” The purpose of the Colorado State University Extension is to disseminate and generate research-based information; consequently an arboretum fits the mission of Extension extremely well.

The Mesa County Arboretum at The Gardens is situated along a narrow strip of previously undeveloped property at the Mesa County Fairgrounds that runs along the south edge of the main parking lot and adjacent to the BMX racing complex and B road. The site for The Arboretum is nearly 600’ long and over 50,000 square feet. The Arboretum fits nicely with the 26,000+ square feet of manicured gardens already at the CSU Extension complex at the Fairgrounds and will provide additional space for horticultural education activities for the region. The Arboretum will always be a place to visit and learn about water-wise gardening.

The Mesa County Arboretum was designed by Tri River Area Master Gardeners Kimberly Greathouse, Bobbi Alpha and Kellie McKeehan. Dawn Sagar provided artistic renditions of the Living Legacy Patio and Ampitheater. Their dedication and attention to detail is great appreciated.

Why an Arboretum?

An Arboretum is:

• A living library of trees, ornamental grasses, shrubs and other plant material relatively unfamiliar but adapted to western Colorado and eastern Utah.
• A demonstration area for plant lovers, school groups and others to enjoy and learn about new plants and trees adapted to Western Colorado
• A new location for people to commemorate a great occasion, achievement, or to honor a loved one
• A wheelchair friendly environment with walk construction in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
• An amphitheater with seating for up to200 people for environmental and educational programs
• A research facility where plant water use will be studied

Maintenance

The Arboretum as well as the other gardens at the Mesa County Extension office are maintained by volunteers.

Funding the Arboretum

As with our other gardens The Arboretum is funded by donations and grants. Contributions to the Arboretum can be made in memory of a loved one, to commemorate an anniversary, to observe a wedding, or to remember a birthday or other special occasion. Others may wish to donate simply for the beautification and cleansing effects of the trees, shrubs and flowers to be planted in The Arboretum.

Engraved paving stones for the walkways and flagstones for the amphitheater or patio areas are available for purchase. Benches are also available for purchase. Businesses wishing to have a logo engraved in a paving stone or flagstone should contact Dr. Curtis Swift for details.

The Colorado State University Foundation are nonprofit 501C(3) organizations that act as a repositorie and steward of charitable contributions made to the Mesa County Arboretum. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to:

The Colorado State University Foundation

Bequests and other donations can be made to the CSU Foundation Mesa County Arboretum account #56453. Gifts in kind can be coordinated through Dr. Curtis Swift, 970 244-1840 or through the CSU Foundation staff.

Credit card donations can be made on-line. Please indicate your donation is for the "Mesa County Arboretum Account #56453."

Under Gift Information click on Additional Designations. Click on Other and type in Acct # 56453 and click Go. Add the amount of your gift in the box to the immediate right of 56453. At the bottom of the page click on Go to Step 2 of 3. Continue through the steps until you have made your conhtribution to the Arboretum.

Donating to The Arboretum at The Gardens is easy. If so desired, each donor (or whoever the donor designates) will be recognized on The Arboretum List of Contributors. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted.

If you want to purchase an item of recognition but are unable to donate the whole amount at one time, an account can be set up to accept your deposits. When you have reached your goal, the appropriate item will be engraved. Engraved items will be installed at the proper time based on the stage of development of The Arboretum. If you would like to purchase an item of recognition please complete this form.

An engraved paving stone installed in one of the walkways:

$250; ~12 in. x ~12 in.
$200 ~12 in. x ~6 in.
$175 ~8 in. x ~8 in.
$100 ~6 in. x ~6 in.

A flagstone installed in the Amphitheater or Living Legacy Patio.

$1000 - $2499

A plaque installed on a bench

$2500
Note: 14 benches are scheduled for the current phase of The Arboretum
The Garden Benches Building the first bench

Unspecified contributions will be used for landscape construction, to acquire trees and other plants, to build paths and walkways, construct the arboretum, install the irrigation system and purchase other items necessary for the construction and maintenance of The Arboretum.

Your Donation is appreciated!

To learn how to get involved contact:

Dr. Curtis E. Swift
970-244-1836
Curtis.Swift@colostate.edu

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